Many thanks to Jenne Gray and C.E. Ayr for their photo prompt, THE UNICORN CHALLENGE. 03/07/2025). No more than 250 words in length.
Well they had to put an extra stone curb on top of the regular cement one, yes? This was Malcolm’s domain; it wouldn’t do to upset the cat. Because once upon a time…
Once upon a time, there were only the curving dirt road, the sweet curves of a wooden fence, and colorful Desertwood Homes behind it, with perfectly-tended yards. Back then, cars took it easy on the curves. Malcolm sat on the fence, watching birds under the shrubs, mice scrabbling over roots, cars picking up speed over the years. These last watched were watched closely, Malcolm disapproving with a low growl rumbling in his furry kitty throat.
The road was eventually paved to smooth the way for the town’s first drive-in malt shop. A low cement curb and apron was installed to keep drivers on the pavement. Teens blared rock and roll from their Nash Ramblers, hurrying by the apartment complex to meet and flirt. Malcolm at least had his early morning weekdays for a peaceful sit on the fence. The town’s economy boomed, as did the speed of traffic.
Surprisingly, it was old man Johnson who hopped the curve, toppling the fence. Morris barely survived with his remaining eight lives. Shirley Perlmutter demanded the fence be fixed, and the high protective curb be installed—on the Town Council’s dime!—to protect Malcolm.
Signs were posted, speeders vigorously ticketed, and Malcolm was awarded a thick rug to soothe his pride and aching bones.
They all lived happily ever after!
© Liz Husebye Hartmann (2025)
Valley of the Trolls 
nice picture
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Thank you!
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Very creative!
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Thanks!
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As the others, I loved your story. I’m happy that in order to save Malcolm from another trauma things were made safer.
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As it should be! Mraow!
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I hear Malcolm singing ‘I sincerely thought I was so complete
Look how wrong you can be’
So now he has a rug!
Terrific tale, Liz, full of crazy.
And I love crazy.
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Oh there’s lots more crazy where that came from! 🤣 Thanks, C.E.
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What a fun story! Loved it (meow)🐈
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Glad you found it to be the cat’s pajamas! 😉
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very fun
loves us those time travel(ish) stories (the montages flow and we can almost smell the popcorn in the lobby)
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Well now, YOU’VE just brought up vivid memories. Thank you, Clark! 😄
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Indeed, The Cat Is King, long live the Cat!
Fun tale, Liz, reminding us too how life has changed.
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Thanks! Note that my cat would add that some things never change, like who the true boss is! 🐈🐯
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And I’m guessing that isn’t you?
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🤣 Only with his permission.
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This is wonderful! I loved every word!
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Thank you muchly, Violet!
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